M.Ed. in Educational Leadership

M.Ed. in Educational Leadership

Loyola’s graduate program in educational leadership is a unique blend of theory and practical application geared toward individuals with a passion for leading and facilitating improvements in student achievement and teacher performance. Loyola’s program is ideal for experienced and successful teachers who want to make a difference on a larger scale and through the lens of social justice and serve the mission of improving the education and social emotional learning of all students, including those who have been traditionally underserved.

With small class sizes, a dynamic instructional staff, and a curriculum that is comprehensive and innovative, the program successfully fuses theoretical principles with a pragmatic, real world understanding of the contemporary context. Join us and become a Loyola Educational Leader—or compete with one. 

Program Overview

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  • Illustration of a stack of books Credits: 39
  • Illustration of a calendar Class Duration: 8 weeks
  • Illustration of a computer with charts and graphs on the screen Delivery: 100% Online
  • Illustration of an analog clock Format: Full-time or Part-time
  • Illustration of a classical building with columns Next Admission Term: Summer 2024
  • Illustration of a graduation cap Time of Completion: As little as 2 years*

*Up to 5 years to complete.

The Master of Education in Educational Leadership provides students with the conceptual tools and professional preparation to become accomplished school leaders. This 39 credit hours program includes a six credit internship experience. Learn more about the M.Ed. curriculum.

Program Advantages

  • Students receive a master degree and administrator 1 certification.
  • Our program is MSDE approved, aligned with the current Maryland Blueprint.
  • Students who are already mastered are eligible for certification (admin I) only (21 credits).
  • Part-time and accelerated pathways to the degree are offered.
  • Our program format offers a fully online option.
  • Instructors in the program are all current or former school principals, associate superintendents, and superintendents who offer a balance of theory and practice.
  • Students complete a full year internship to apply organizational and instructional leadership skills within the social justice frameworks.

Certification Eligibility

Participation provides eligibility for certification as an Administrator I (Assistant in Administration, Supervisor in Instruction, or Supervisor in Central Administration). Students seeking Administrator II (Principal) certification are required to successfully complete the School Leaders Licensure Assessment exam. Our programs are state approved and nationally accredited.

Loyola University Maryland's program is aligned to the code of regulations as identified by the Maryland State Department of Education. Participants must have 27 months of satisfactory teaching performance on a professional certificate or satisfactory performance as a certified specialist and provide proof of the success completion of a 3-credit special education course as defined in the COMAR regulations to receive the approved Administrator I program stamp. 

Hear from Greyhounds
The educational leadership program at Loyola is unique because it taught me from my very first class that it’s people over programs. Professors taught us that if you want to create a school community, you must make sure that you hit the heart of the adults in the building.
Tamera Harris Murphy, '19, Assistant Principal
When I think about the educational leadership program at Loyola, I think pedagogy perfection— because there is this perfect harmonious blend of theoretical applications for leadership with the real-life application through the internship experience.
Courtney Wimbush, '20, ESOL Teacher and Department Chair

Leadership Preparation with a Rigorous, Personal Approach

Loyola faculty are committed to forming genuine relationships with their students, so that they may serve as true mentors and colleagues throughout your program—and beyond graduation. Program instructors are all current or former school principals, associate superintendents, and superintendents who offer a balance of theory and practice. We are ready to work with you personally to help you explore and tailor your goals and advance your career to the next level.

Our Jesuit liberal arts heritage powerfully enhances any course of study, ensuring a values-based approach to our programs, as well as a high level of academic and professional rigor and quality. You will be a part of a highly active and influential Loyola community—including a graduate alumni network 30,000 strong—providing the opportunity to build a diverse professional network, expand your community, and enrich your personal life.

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Ready to learn more?

Explore the following links or contact us at education@loyola.edu or 410-617-2990.

Meet Our Community

Pursuing Justice, Together

When students enroll in the undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs at Loyola’s School of Education, they are welcomed into a vibrant and diverse community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni who are engaged in ensuring an inclusive educational system that actualizes social justice.

Mia Ferri
Students

Mia

“I wanted a college experience that would prepare me for a career in education and a place that made me feel at home. Loyola provided both... and so much more. ”
Jennifer Watkinson
Faculty

Jennifer Scaturo Watkinson, Ph.D.

“We’re trying to transform the school counseling profession so that counselors are able to utilize advocacy and leadership to support the diverse needs of their students.”
Mike McCourt
Alumni

Mike McCourt

“Jesuits have a solid reputation as educators. The other students in my cohort were amazing and made the intensity of this program a shared, instead of solitary, experience of growth and learning.”
Lauren Giglio-Thomas
Alumni

Lauren Giglio-Thomas

“Loyola professors prepare you for the real world, both academically and personally, and do so in a way that allows students to find jobs after graduation and then to perform successfully in their careers.”